Shakti Yoga Center

"I am also very proud of my team of teachers: trustworthy individuals who not only are interested in teaching, but also want to keep growing as students. I feel blessed, as they have the best interest of the studio at heart ..."

Wanderlust Weekly:Congrats on the growth of Shakti Yoga Center! What inspired it's creation?Patricia Alonso: Thank you! Shakti Yoga Center is the much treasured manifestation of my Dharma (Soul's Purpose in life). The desire to open a yoga studio had been on my mind for several years. But it was not until last year, while seated in meditation in the Sri Vidya Shrine at the Himalayan Institute's campus in Khajuraho, India, that its pulse reached my heart and I knew I could avoid it no longer. I chose Garland, TX not only because it has been my home for the past 17 years, but also because there were no other offerings of traditional yoga for the community in Northeast Dallas. My desire was to create a space free of judgment, where we could share the full scope of the teachings rooted in traditional Hatha and Tantra yoga. We mainly teach "breath centered" practices, intended to assist students in experiencing yoga beyond asana, beyond just the physical postures; in other words, we guide our students to connect with their breath as the tool that initiates and sustains a more complete mind, body, spirit practice. Incorporating the additional elements of chanting, pranayama (systematic breathing exercises) and meditation in each of our classes, further enriches this experience.

Wanderlust Weekly: You've built a strong community following in Dallas, what are some of your proudest moments?Patricia Alonso: Definitely one of my proudest moments has been opening the yoga studio without getting myself into debt. I am also very proud of my team of teachers: trustworthy individuals who not only are interested in teaching, but also want to keep growing as students. I feel blessed, as they have the best interest of the studio at heart, and make every effort to be prepared for their class and share their love for yoga. Last but not least, it's amazing to witness the progress of our students; especially those who come to class with the sole purpose of restoring balance and harmony to their bodies, minds and spirits.

Wanderlust Weekly: We wish you continued success in 2017, what upcoming news or developments can we look forward to?Patricia Alonso: We are very excited to be launching our Yoga Alliance Certified 200 hr Teacher Training program in May 2017. Our program delivers a strong foundation in posture knowledge, breath-work, meditation, and Yoga philosophy. The training also introduces the basics of Sanskrit (the language of Yoga) and Ayurveda, an ancient holistic approach to health and balance...often referred to as the "Sister Science of Yoga." Additionally, the training also includes a UNIQUE approach that inspires self-inquiry, self-mastery, and self-empowerment to help each student discover his/her individual Dharma code (overall approach to all of life), igniting a greater capacity for realizing his/her fullest potential. We are also very proud and honored to be participating in ProjectOM, a national movement to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation this upcoming Mother’s day weekend, Saturday, May 13th. In addition to these two main upcoming events mentioned above, we have several workshops and special events planned throughout the year, and are always actively seeking to add new and exciting offerings. Anyone interested in learning more about our upcoming events can find complete details on our website. [ learn more ]